Chilean companies visit Costa Rica to strengthen trade ties │ Costadevelopers.com

trade

Chile is one of the countries with better indexes both commercial human development in the region as Latin American.

Around 40 Chilean companies recently visited Costa Rica to strengthen and increase trade relations between the two countries, at a meeting called "I S Chile", according to the official spokespersons.

In the event which will have a duration of two days, participating companies of various industries, from pharmaceutical producers of containers, the information and communication technology, building materials environmental services and University services.

As the Director of the office in Costa Rica for the direction of promotion of exports from Chile (ProChile), Marcela Aravena, indicated in an interview with Acan-Efe, the main objective is to achieve a rapprochement between the Chilean manufacturing companies and services with potential business partners in the region of Central America, especially in Costa Rica.

"Want to know that Chile is not only food and drinks but a manufacturing industry. We see in Central America real opportunities for trade that are growing in time," Aravena said.

In accordance with Aravena, the Central American region is not one market for Chile, but by otherwise representing a suitable for the foreign trade area, especially products that diversify exports to Costa Rica and vice versa. Both countries maintain a free trade agreement since 2002, this meeting allows you to consolidate and capitalize on the negotiations that were established in the Treaty.

"We hope that within the framework of the FTA trade in Chile to Costa Rica continues to grow and be closer to our entrepreneurs with potential Costa Rican counterpart, which come more products like medicines, food industry, University services," said Aravena.

The delegation representative of Chile, said that the free trade agreement has been "very positive" for exports, also is expected in a medium square a significant growth of the Costa Rican sales in the South American region, using this country as a platform to cover a wider region market.

According to the data of the Ministry of foreign trade of Costa Rica, during the year 2012, exports to Chile reached $25.7 million and imports from that country $291,3 billion.

On the other hand, exports to Central America and the Caribbean increased by 17% since 2009.

Among other activities the business meeting "I S Chile" is organized by ProChile and also includes a seminar, technical workshops and wheels of negotiation.

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#CostaRica will have a new country brand in August │ #costadevelopers

The country does joint work to promote tourism and achieve a greater attraction of visitors to level int.

The launch of the brand new country scheduled is for the month of August, this new product will integrate culture, idiosyncrasies, climate of business and human talent that exist in Costa Rica.

To define a profile of the brand country conducted several focus group which sought to consolidate the vision of Costa Rica, inward and the rest of the world.

Managers perform this product were the promoter (Procomer) foreign trade and the Ministry of foreign trade (Comex).

The cost for the development and validation of these processes has reached the $450 000 according to Procomer.

Minister of foreign trade, Anabel González, without advancing to the details of the launch, said that this product will be very valuable to position outside Costa Rica.

"The idea is that you can cover the efforts from the commercial point of view, investment, and tourism. It is a need that exists," said Gonzalez.

The definition of the brand country has been an intense work with the support of other companies who have already developed other brands country to others internationally.

Jorge Sequeira, Procomer Manager, indicated that he is a tool of marketing, which possibly will generate a higher profit in the country in terms of perception and positioning.

Other countries have had to invest large sums of money in the tourist positioning, for example Colombia invested $12 million.

Country brand is a tool that helps entrepreneurs in the country, therefore great expectations generated in the business associations.

Juan Ramón Rivera, the President of the Chamber of industries, said that it is also necessary to create discipline in environmental issues and quality.

"Is a very important effort with the seriousness of the case. All studies have been made and it is a very important proposal. If we it put on an international level we see very fortunate", said.

The creation of the brand country represents a challenge for Costa Rica, because it will have to do everything necessary to comply with this profile. The community expects in August for details.

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Costa Rica carried out its first export of dairy products to China

Milk

Dos Pinos company is one of the most renowned and ancient country, leader in dairy.

This week was the first shipment of milk 100% Costa Rican Asian giant: China. The cooperative of producers of milk two pines R.L is intended to publicize their products in a very different market than the national, on the other side of the world.

With this export cooperative seeks to analyze and measure the level of response of Chinese consumers; for such purpose were sent two vans with flavored milk, whole milk, Lowfat and skim, which adds in total 31 500 liters.

This first shipment went to Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Tianjing.

"We are sure that our product like in this huge market, as it has been in the remaining 14 countries where today we have presence. Based on that level of response we will begin a process of geographic coverage and brand development in China, which undoubtedly opens a window of opportunity for cities such as Hong Kong and Macau and other Asia countries such as Singapore, with which Costa Rica has a free Trade” said Jorge Pattoni, general manager of Dos Pinos.

The plan is that Dos Pinos starts exporting butter, juices and nectar before end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture of Costa Rica, Gloria Abraham said that: "the achievement of the two pine trees is a firm step in the process of inserting our companies and food producers in a market as big as China, whose authorities have expressed interest in significantly increasing the levels of marketing with our countries. We will continue to support our sector in this goal through our animal health services and we are confident that in a short time, not only the Dos Pinos increase your sales and strengthen a niche in that huge market, but it we can announce the entry of other origin products agriculture, like pineapple, melon and meat".

A challenge for Costa Ricans is the good management of marketing in China, there is a varied competition, with products from other parts of the world. Two pine trees should work in that Chinese citizens will be able to identify with the brand.

Due to accomplish this process, there were involve the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the Embassy of Costa Rica in China, SENASA and Procomer Asia Office.

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Costa Rica becomes a country of high luxury for visitors

Years ago the small country of Central America was known as a little explored natural destination and with limited possibilities to find accommodation and services of high luxury, found in the Caribbean and other countries. However that has changed and today it has become a tourist destination paradise and desired by many.

San Jose, the capital city has grown enormously and is capable of accommodating hundreds of businessmen and tourists looking for luxurious, comfortable and good price places to attend activities of world order, business congresses and other meetings; a focal point in new investments of the Ministry of tourism of the country.

With an input of about two million tourists a year, the country has made efforts to offer visitors everything you require when visiting the country.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica seeking a high luxury vacation, can be found. Currently there are marinas, golf courses, luxurious restaurants and hotels. Near projects of Costa Developers, where you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation, the luxurious Central Pacific Resort: Los Sueños, a place where it has access to a true oasis of tranquility and comfort.

Despite having taken a direction towards the buildings and most luxurious services and that they meet high standards, Costa Rica continues to be recognized worldwide for sustainability and conservation of the environment in urban residential and tourist complexes.

These centers for visitors have been catalogued as part of the stream of eco-tourism, which make up the eco-lodges, eco-resorts: centers of placement for tourists possessing high luxury and comfort without forgetting the flag for the conservation of nature and resources, something that much attention from the visitors.

Areas such as Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Herradura, Jacó, tourist complexes in Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific and Gulf of Papagayo in the North Pacific. Definitely Costa Rica has become a paradise for those looking for both comfort and harmony with nature.

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What do “baby boomers” wished to have when going on vacation?

There’s no question that comfort and price are two important elements when going on vacation, and people between ages of 48-69, that have been called the baby boomer generation, become more demanding bout what they look for when traveling for leisure and pleasure.

A recent survey conducted by WatchBoom.com an online magazine with 7000 subscribers, revealed interesting suggestions to resort and vacation centers on the world.

One of the most important things, of course is the price, but curiously 60% of people who responded to the survey said they’d be willing to pay a few extra dollars if they’re promised to have a time to remember, even if that is on high season.

Travelers also prefer all-inclusive hotels, giving them the choice to not pay anything extra for food or drinks. “Knowing that your tab for food and drink is covered takes a lot of unknowns out of budgeting for a vacation, especially for (Boomers) who foot the bill for family reunions and the like.”

More than 50% of respondents say they would prefer a “garden view” room at beach resorts because of pricey “ocean view” rooms at some resorts, and one of the subscribers said that “you can’t always get a front-on view of the ocean” from an ocean view room.

Boomers were also asked which the top five foreign destinations to vacation were; the results of those places are 1.Mexico, 2.Hawaii and the Caribbean, 3.Spain, 4.Costa Rica and 5.Canada.

The most important reference to choose a place is the experiences of others; the best way to find out how good or bad is a place is from the previous travel of relatives or friends. But online reviews are also very important, some say they’d rather see some good and bad reference instead of only wonderful things, “When I see a whole string of reports saying a hotel is really wonderful, and nothing ever goes wrong there, I get a feeling that the reviews have been ‘planted’ by the hotel.”

On the other hand some do rely on what others have said about the places on the web, “I rely on reviews by people who’ve actually stayed at hotels to steer me away from noisy, dirty and otherwise awful places…things I’d never have known from pictures of hotels on the websites.”

All inclusive hotels have a challenge of pleasing baby boomers’ visitors around the world, Costa Rica is no exception of it is surely a place where you will find everything you’re looking for to have a great time.

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6.9% more tourists came to Costa Rica on the third trimester of 2012

According to statistics of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) between January and September 2012 the income of tourists to the country, rose at a 6.9% leaving as the balance $ 1.7 billion to the State.

These figures show that in the first nine months of the previous year (2012), a total of 1.635.348 people entered the country by airway, while in the previous year (2011) the same figure was 1.593.999 which reflects growth of 2.5%. The authorities even scanned the last quarter of 2012.

In addition to the income by air, is added the entry of tourists who arrived in the country by land, which were 1.799.000.

According to the corresponding authorities, since 2008 the number of tourists entering the country is maintained between 2,000,000 and 2.100.000 per year, which shows a clear change in the figures that were presented between 2004 and 2007.

The Minister of tourism, Allan Flores indicated that data are still needed "I have information that the airport Juan Santa María closed in a significant way, as well as the International Airport Daniel Oduber." You have to wait to have the data for the fourth quarter of 2012 ".

The country has made strong efforts to issue of marketing and exposure of the benefits and attractions to visit the country, which is expected to translate into the increase in the number of tourists entering the country. Tourism is one of the main economic activities of the country. Costa Rica plans to invest 17 million dollars for the promotion of tourism in 2013.

As the Minister of tourism, the overall expectation for the year 2012 correspond to an income of more than two million tourists, is however too early to make approximations. However, if indicated that most of the recorded tourists come from the United States and Canada.

"What I can tell you is that we are increasing the budget in promotion and marketing and our participation in international fairs; "also hope to have completed the National Convention Center, which will attract another form of tourism this year", said Flores.

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Where are the “best buys” in Costa Rica?

Year after year we’ve seen that the more than 2 million tourists that show up to explore this country keep falling in love with it and become interested in purchasing property in Costa Rica; with such promising panoramas within the next years in the Real Estate business and with a lovely destination, how come you doubt?

International Living magazine recently shared information about where are the hot spots to purchase property in Costa Rica, not surprisingly the Central-Southern Pacific stills in top 1, not only because it’s proven to be the best area to live and vacation but because of all benefits of it.

Think about a place which is located very close to Costa Developers projects, Manuel Antonio National Park, the most visited place in the country by tourists, not only because it is very close to the Central Valley but because of its immense natural beauty. The park is so visited; there are restrictions to get it, 600 people during the week and 800 on the weekends.

If you happen to be on that area, moving a little to the south you’ll find Corcovado National Park, for those who are truly down for a completely natural outdoors adventure, this is the place to be; a pristine reserve full of wild life, without roads, stores or hotels, huge tall trees and all kinds of birds to watch and enjoy.

Not only Manuel Antonio and Corcovado are located around the Central-Southern Pacific area, but a lot of places to enjoy as well, and numerous, countless activities to have lots of fun.

The following spots where to the northern are of Alajuela (city approximately 10 miles from San Jose) San Carlos, where you will find beautiful landscape and a lot of activities to enjoy, such as delicious hot springs, horseback riding tours and many more. On the third place, International Living chose the Caribbean region of the country, which despite all its current social problematic situations also holds a beautiful landscape.

No doubt, the Central-Southern Pacific stills your first top choice in case you’re looking for a great place to vacation and enjoy retirement, family travel. Take a look at our website so you can see yourself vacationing at this paradise.

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Take advantage of United Airlines new flight

With such big affluence of tourists, airlines are becoming more interest on increasing flights from the U.S to Costa Rica, being such a close paradise destination, visitors can get easier, cheaper and more frequently flights to the Central American country.

Recently United Airlines, one of the most popular airlines in the region, announced its brand new flights to Costa Rica, which will be direct and weekly between San Jose and its connection centers Chicago and Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C.

These new flights will be available from April 2013, and will be operated by Boeing 737-800 with more than 100 seats with 16 seats on business class.

Currently United Airlines flies to Costa Rica from New York and Houston, two of the main airports in the US.

“United States is the maximum tourist generator to Costa Rica and we know for a fact that approximately 635 000 visitors come from Chicago and close to 407 000 from Washington D.C, so this news represent a great take off point to continue our marketing efforts and the strong policy of this government, focused on increasing frequency, new flights and approaching new airlines” said, Allan Flores, Tourism Ministry.

Tourism continues to be one of the most important incomes of the country, in 2011 visitors from the United States generated $779 000 million dollars, being the country that provided the most income through tourism that year.

“This is a great opportunity to the development of different sectors of the national economy, such as tourism, international trade and foreign direct investment, through these new routes business can expand their opportunities to Costa Rica”, commented Salvador Marreno, Central American United Airlines General Director.

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Colombian group acquires Costa Rica’s Pops ice cream

Popular Tico brand owns 180 ice cream parlors in Central America and Miami.

Colombian Group Nutresa announced the final purchase of 100 percent of the shares of American Franchising Corp (AFC), owner of Tico-born company Pops ice cream, in a transaction of approximately $110 million.

Nutresa on Monday will take control of Pops’ 180 parlors distributed throughout Central America and in Florida, U.S.

As part of the transaction Nutresa also acquired the production plant, Entrepans coffee shops and the distribution franchises of Haagen Dazs and General Mills (Nature Valley, Betty Crocker and Chex Mix) in the region.

Pops started operations in 1968 in San José, with a single ice cream parlor and a small production plant, both located in the same building. It subsequently expanded to the Central American region.

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